Joseph M. Gaydos

Joseph Matthew Gaydos (July 3, 1926 – February 7, 2015) was an American lawyer, World War II veteran, and Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, serving 8 terms from 1968 to 1992. Gaydos was the first Slovak American to serve in the United States Congress.

Early life and education Gaydos was born in Braddock, Pennsylvania. His parents were called John and Elona Magella Gaydos and were born in Slovakia.

He attended Duquesne University and graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1951.

World War II He served during World War II in the Pacific theater with the United States Navy Reserve from 1944 to 1946.

Political career He served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1967 to 1968. He served as Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania, Assistant Solicitor of Allegheny County, and general counsel to United Mine Workers of America, district five.

Congress He was elected simultaneously as a Democrat to the 90th and to the 91st Congress, by special election, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Representative Elmer Holland.

He prioritized workers’ rights and preservation of the domestic steel industry while in Congress. He was a strong supporter of organized labor and was a leading proponent of strengthening labor laws to provide health and pension benefits, as well as job safety protections, for employees.

He was not a candidate for renomination in 1992.

Death He died on February 7, 2015, aged 88.